Questions for Discussion

1. What is Henry David Thoreau calling for early in paragraph 2 when he writes, “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: What is Henry David Thoreau calling for early in paragraph 2 when he writes, “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”?
2. Thoreau writes, “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us” (para. 2). Consider an electronic device (such as a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or an MP3 player). What would Thoreau say about it? Has this device helped to simplify our lives, or has it had a negative impact on them?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: Thoreau writes, “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us” (para. 2). Consider an electronic device (such as a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or an MP3 player). What would Thoreau say about it? Has this device helped to simplify our lives, or has it had a negative impact on them?
3. What does Thoreau mean when he says, “As for work, we haven’t any of any consequence” (para. 3)? What is his definition of work?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: What does Thoreau mean when he says, “As for work, we haven’t any of any consequence” (para. 3)? What is his definition of work?
4. How do you interpret this assertion: “Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundless truths, while reality is fabulous” (para. 6)? Use that as a topic sentence, and develop it with examples from your own experience.

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: How do you interpret this assertion: “Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundless truths, while reality is fabulous” (para. 6)? Use that as a topic sentence, and develop it with examples from your own experience.
5. Do you think Thoreau’s advice and sentiments in this essay are meant as recommendations for living one’s entire life or as suggestions for periodically reflecting on life’s true meaning? Is he suggesting isolation as a lifestyle?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: Do you think Thoreau’s advice and sentiments in this essay are meant as recommendations for living one’s entire life or as suggestions for periodically reflecting on life’s true meaning? Is he suggesting isolation as a lifestyle?
6. In today’s terms, how would you characterize Thoreau’s politics? Is he very conservative or very progressive? Is he somewhere in between?

   Chapter 6 - Where I Lived, and What I Lived For - Questions for Discussion: In today’s terms, how would you characterize Thoreau’s politics? Is he very conservative or very progressive? Is he somewhere in between?